A mum fighting to topple three large trees that were damaging her home is close to winning her battle.

Lisa Sullivan, 38, of Whinney Banks, Middlesbrough, said the 40ft poplar trees were wrecking the foundations of her home and causing cracks to run up the side of her house.

Since taking her complaint to the Gazette, Erimus have been out and removed two of the trees, one of which was in an adjoining garden and another on the boundary.

Lisa, of Pannell Avenue, still has one poplar in her garden with the roots extending underneath the house.

She has been locked in a battle over what to do with the trees ever since she bought her home from Middlesbrough Council three years ago. Erimus own the neighbouring house.

Lisa said: "The houses had extensions put on and you can see cracks running up the walls now as they are breaking away and that's been caused by the trees. The drier the weather, the more the roots reach out.

"I have had an engineer come out and look at this and they said the houses are literally moving.

"I have had a meeting with Erimus and there is a loss adjustor coming to see me so I'll have to wait to see what they say now."

The trees have also damaged drains in the area with ground having sunk in Lisa's back garden.

Middlesbrough Council said they were continuing to liaise with the home-owners while Erimus Housing have offered more direct action.

Susie Thompson, director of housing, said: "We sympathise with Ms Sullivan and we will endeavour to do all we can to help her.

"Unfortunately, this is a very complicated situation with many parties involved in finding a solution. We are putting steps in place to ensure this is remedied as soon as possible.

"We have also arranged to have the drains inspected to establish the extent of the damage to ensure the remedial work can be carried out as soon as possible.

"We are in regular contact with Ms Sullivan and will ensure we keep her informed of any developments."